Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

Last weekend saw Marist face Iona with senior teams away and juniors at home. Iona have proved a tough competitor in recent years, with last weekend proving no different. Iona was too strong in all three first matches. The 1st XVIII kicked us off on Friday night where Iona got the jump on us early and maintained a comfortable lead throughout. On Saturday the 1st VI started strongly against a quality Iona team but were eventually outgunned in three sets. The 1st XI had four debutants on show on Saturday, winning the toss and putting Iona in, the bowlers did a terrific job to restrict Iona to 175 all out and after a slow start put on a brave run chase to ultimately fall all out for 132.

This weekend is our first home matches of the season against St Peters Lutheran College. The 1st XI cricket are proud to be involved with the McGrath Foundation and their Pink Stumps Day event. See the cricket section below for further details on how you can get involved.

We are hosting an AIC lead-up swim meet this Friday with St Edmunds travelling to Ashgrove to go head-to-head against our best.

Good luck to all the boys wearing the blue and gold this weekend.

Media

AIC Results

I am highlighting the AIC website has had a refresh and a new emphasis on the timely delivery of results will see all sports results and tables updated on the same day so you can follow our team performances each week across the sports by going to https://aicsport.com.au/ and clicking on the relevant sport page.

AIC TV

A recently new initiative started last year is the live streaming of many of the AIC competition sports each weekend. In Term 1 they are showing AFL and volleyball matches, Term 2 will be football and rugby and Term 3 will see rugby league and basketball matches streamed live. Go to https://aictv.com.au/ to watch our first teams taking on the best of the AIC each week.

Social Media

Marist Sport is on Instagram. Follow our highlights and successes at @marist_ashgrove_sports and @marist_ashgrove_rugby. You can also follow the AIC competition on Facebook (search AIC) and Instagram at @AIC_sport.

News

The Courier Mail has taken a keen interest in AIC sport in recent years as well so stories on results, key athletes across the AIC and great performances are often featured.

Student Achievements

We also like to highlight our students achievements in sport, both school sport and club sport in the College Newsletter each week. Simply email sports@marash.qld.edu.au or lennond@marash.qld.edu.au with details (student name, sport, tournament/activity, some information about the achievement, and a photo or two if possible).

Triathlon

Lachlan Davidson will be competing at the State Triathlon Championships in Hervey Bay representing Metropolitan North, from Thursday 13 February to Sunday 16 February. Good luck Lachlan!

Cricket

Mr Derek Lennon (Cricket Coordinator)

Last Saturday saw Marist take on Iona College in cricket. We finished with 19 wins and 5 losses overall. Well done to all teams who played on the weekend, it was a great set of results. There were a lot of very impressive performances. We won the 2nds, 10A, 8A, 7A and 5A matches. Teams of the week were 7C who defeated Iona 1/193 to 15, player of the day was Max Wheeler 37 off 15, plus catch and runout; and 6C Gold who defeated St Patricks 8/141 to 6/56, with Lucas Nightingale 35* and Jake O’Ryan 29*.

Congratulations to Ben Mead, Joshua Pope, Max Eyde and Salem Tamer who all debuted for the 1st XI on Saturday. Salem, Joshua and Max are all in Year 10, which bodes well for the future.

Pink Stumps Day

This Saturday is Pink Stumps Day, an annual awareness and fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation, supporting breast cancer nurses. This event is played between St Peters Lutheran College and Marist College each year. We will have pink stumps at most of the fields, the 1sts players will play in pink caps. We ask that the cricket community support the event by wearing pink on the day and consider making a donation to the McGrath Foundation, using the QR code below or at the canteens throughout the two venues on Saturday.

Communication

We use the Parent Orbit App to share all key operational information including team lists, weekly draws, training schedules, contact details, season

calendar, the handbook and selection criteria.

Draws and team lists are posted on the app as soon as practically possible each week.

The College Newsletter includes a summary of the previous week and key information for the wider school community, including match reports and highlights.

Key Contacts

Cricket Coordinator Derek Lennon lennond@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 5 Coordinator John Lambourne lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 6 Coordinator John Lambourne lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 7 Coordinator Matt Millward millwardm@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 8 Coordinator Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh kolkenbeckruhg@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 9 Coordinator Matt Millward millwardm@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 10 Coordinator Troy Mee

Open Coordinator Michael Abbott abbottm@marash.qld.edu.au

Head of Sport Derek Lennon lennond@marash.qld.edu.au

Head of Sport (Primary) John Lambourne lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au

Wet Weather and Cancellations

We will attempt to train and play all games of football.

Should the weather be inclement, a decision will be made by 6:00am for morning training sessions and 2:30pm for afternoon training sessions. A decision for whether game days will proceed will be communicated by 6:30am.

All communication around wet weather and cancellations will be via the Parent Orbit App.

Sun Safety

Marist College Ashgrove is committed to providing a safe working environment for all our students, staff and visitors. All students, staff and visitors are encouraged to apply sunscreen prior to arriving at training or matches and again during the day if he deems it necessary to ensure they are protected throughout the day.

Staff, students and visitors are encouraged to wear hats at all times where appropriate outside of training activities and games. Staff and students are encouraged to use shade from shelters, built environment and trees where appropriate outside of training activities and games.

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock (Football Coordinator)

Marist Football Sign-On

Please go to Parent Orbit and see information regarding sign-on. All students who wish to play Term 2 sports are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup via Parent Lounge and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and delivering the necessary resources.

Year 7-10 A Team Trials

Invitations to A team trials will be sent to all 2024 A and B team players in the coming days. For any football players wishing to trial for the 2025 A teams that are new to Marist or played in a team outside the A and B’s in 2024, please reach out to Blair Whitlock (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au) for further information.

We have a fantastic coaching lineup across all grades for 2025 and it’s shaping up to be a very exciting season for Marist Football. There will be further information provided in the coming weeks about trials, for any questions in the meantime, please contact the Football Coordinator – Blair Whitlock (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au).

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Another Week, Another Smash Hit!

After an action-packed summer of tennis, culminating in the Australian Open, we’ve been spoilt by the incredible level of play showcased right here on our shores. Aussie fans rode the wave of Alex De Minaur’s thrilling run to the quarterfinals and we were treated to an all-Australian mixed doubles final, with Gadecki/Peers taking the title and Birrell/Smith finishing as runners-up. It was fantastic to see four Aussie players battling it out for Grand Slam glory—proof that the little things done well make a big difference at the highest level.

Hard Work Pays Off!

Grit, determination and an unwavering refusal to give in—these are the qualities that separate good players from great ones. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built through dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement. To our hardworking players who show up week after week, sharpening their skills—you’re on the right path. Keep at it!

As the old saying goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” In tennis, we use our time wisely, learning and improving while never forgetting that the game is meant to be fun. Plus, making new friends along the way doesn’t hurt either!

Old Boys – Get Back on Court!

We’re thrilled to see an increase in Old Boys keen to hit the courts again! Marist Tennis Club offers year-round access through membership:

Annual Membership: $94

Membership with Lights Access: $188

Once you’re a member, court hire is free for the entire year. Membership runs from Term 4 to the end of Term 3 the following year. Time to dust off the racquet and relive the glory days!

Squad and Group Coaching – Term 1 Bookings Still Open!

A few spots remain for Term 1 squad and group coaching—get in quick!

Reminder for all squad players: Your private lesson is part of your enrolment, so make sure you’ve booked yours in for the term!

1st and 2nd IV Team Trials – Think You’ve Got What It Takes?

Marist Tennis is calling for any student who believes they can earn a spot in the Train-On Squad for Term 2.

Trials: Weeks 8 and 9 (possibly Week 10)

Training: Two afternoons per week in Term 2 (likely Tuesday and Thursday)

AIC Trials for all other year levels (excluding Open 1st and 2nd Teams) will start in Week 6 of Term 2.

Saturday Fixtures – Keep Up the Momentum!

Our teams are off to a fantastic start, displaying some high-level tennis and putting their hard-earned skills into practice. Well done to everyone so far—let’s keep the energy up and continue competing with passion and enthusiasm!

As always, if you need help with bookings or have any tennis-related queries, feel free to reach out:

mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au

0437 449 523

See you on the courts!

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Congratulations to all our swimmers who competed on Friday night and over the weekend at the Queensland State Sprints!

Friday night, the team headed to St Peters Lutheran College, and I was incredibly proud of their efforts both in and out of the pool. However, it's important to stay focused and disciplined—we can’t rest on our achievements after just two meets. The journey continues, and there’s still work to be done!

This week, we look forward to hosting our first home swim meet on Friday against St Edmund’s College. For many of the boys, this is a key opportunity to post competitive times and push for a spot on the final AIC Swimming Team.

The next three meets will be held at Marist, starting with St Edmund’s this week, followed by the Old Boys Meet, and culminating in the College Age Championships.

State Sprint HighlightsA huge congratulations to all swimmers who achieved personal best times over the weekend. Special recognition goes to the following boys for their top ten finishes:

Sam Mapledoram: 4th in the Boys 14 Years 50m Butterfly
Daniel Sadimenko: 3rd in the Boys 11 Years 50m Backstroke and 9th in the 50m Butterfly

AIC Prep Meets & Relay Training

Prep Meets: Held every Friday night and compulsory for boys aiming for the final team, which will be announced on Monday 3 March.
Relay Training: The second AIC Relay Training session is on Friday morning,14 February. Attendance is compulsory for top ten athletes whose names have been highlighted. Breakfast will be provided.

Training SquadsOur training squads cater to both fitness-focused swimmers and those vying for a spot on the AIC Swimming Team.

While joining the AIC team is optional, we strongly encourage all boys to participate in the Friday afternoon Prep Meets. These meets offer a valuable opportunity to track progress and test training strategies in a supportive, competitive environment.

If you're unsure whether your son should compete, please reach out to Damian or me for guidance before or after squad sessions.

Contact InformationFor any questions, feel free to contact Jade, Damian, or me at swim@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and delivering the necessary resources.

Rugby Ready Program | Years 5-12

Starting in Week 5 (Monday 24 February), Marist College is delivering a mandatory four-week Rugby Ready Program across all age groups leading into the rugby union trials. The Rugby Ready Program involves a host of measures such as physical preparation, skill development, correct and safe techniques preparing the players for contact, enforcement of game laws and management of safety issues such as the Scrum Passport and the “MAYDAY” call. Whilst there are a number of reasons for providing such a program, a key driver is wanting to deliver to all students a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby union program. In order to develop the Marist College rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach the game with confidence and minimise the chance of injury. Please see documents on the Parent Orbit for all information including the program content, schedule and dress code.

You will note the Opens have been allocated two options each week, however, they only need to attend one.

AIC Championship swimmers are not required to attend Rugby Ready until the completion of the AIC swim meet on Friday 7 March. Extra sessions will be made available to assist so everyone completes their four sessions prior to the trials.

NOTE - The program involves four stages (one session per week) and all players will be required to complete in order to play rugby this season.

Rugby Referee Program | Invitation

The Marist College Ashgrove Rugby Referee Program is offered to anyone in Year 8 and above who is interested in becoming a referee. This program is extended to anyone in the Marist community who would like to become a referee including Old Boys, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters of Marist students. Through participating in the program, you will become accredited to officiate junior rugby and have the best seat in the house.

In 2024, we had 11 students and one parent complete the course.

The program will run for four consecutive Friday afternoons, beginning on Friday 28 February. The content is delivered from 3:30pm-5:00pm here at the College.

Anyone interested should contact Mr Richard Graham, Director of Rugby / Track and Field grahamr@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist Rugby Preseason | Years 10, 11 and 12

Please see information for Weeks 1-5, Term 1 preseason rugby union training in the Parent Orbit. Year 10 students will be offered an opportunity to begin preseason training in Week 3.The dress code for ALL sessions is Blue MCA shirt, Marist blue sports shorts and white / blue / Marist rugby socks (see @marist_ashgrove_rugby on Instagram).

All sessions will take place on Des Connor Park, Field 5.

The Blue Squad will be announced on Thursday 13 February.

NOTE – if you have a commitment to a Term 1 sport, that is your priority.

Marist Rugby Union | Old Boy Connection

The Marist College Ashgrove rugby program continues to benefit from the strong support of our Old Boys, with former Queensland Reds and Wallaby halfback Nick Frisby (2009) returning this week to mentor our halfbacks.

Nick has been a consistent supporter of the program, generously sharing his knowledge and experience to help develop the next generation of Marist #9s. His presence provides invaluable insight for our young players.

We extend our sincere thanks to Nick for his ongoing commitment and look forward to welcoming him back next month as he continues to guide and encourage our halfback cohort.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2024 the College delivered some wonderful rugby memories through our social media pages. From the smallest bumblebees in Year 5 through to the biggest bumblebees in Year 12, all of it was captured in wonderful colour.

To stay connected with Marist Rugby and with all the program’s achievements, please follow our Instagram page @marist_ashgrove_rugby.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

National Qualifiers | Recent Queensland Athletics Meets

The Australian Junior and Open Track and Field season is well underway. Below is a list of Marist athletes who have achieved automatic national qualifiers in their respective events at recent Queensland Athletics and representative meets earning the right to compete for Queensland in Perth in April 2025:

Riley Hansel (16Y) - High Jump (1.90m - Sally Pearson Shield)
Ben Flanagan (15Y) - 800m (2m02.24)
Isaac Ting (17Y) - 110m Hurdles (15.23s - Sally Pearson Shield), 100m (11.09s - MN)
Connor Campbell (16Y) - 110m Hurdles (16.13s - Sally Pearson Shield), 400m hurdles (59.37s - Jai Taurima Shield)
Hayden Lockhart (15Y) - 100m Hurdles (14.1s - Sally Pearson Shield), Triple Jump (12.34m - Sally Pearson Shield/12.63m QLD All Schools), 100m (11.56s - National Schools Challenge)
Dilpreet Sharma (14Y) - Discus (50.65m - National All Schools Bronze/QLD Champion), Hammer (45.39m - 1st QLD All Schools/4th Australian All Schools)
Zac Milligan (17Y) - 800m (1m56.35 - National Schools Challenge), 3000m (8.44 - 2024)
Harry Prole (16Y) - 800m (1m59.52 - National Schools Challenge)

There are also another group of athletes working hard in training behind the scenes all within striking distance of qualifiers at the upcoming State Championships in March plus other Queensland Athletics meets. Many of the athletes above will also strive to qualify in other events.

We wish all the athletes well as they chase their season goals.

Sunday Sessions

For all students wanting to begin their Track and Field training, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. The focus at this early stage is Sprints / Hurdles / Throws / Jump plyometrics. Please see below details -

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm

DRESS: Marist sport shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks.

Marist Track and Field | Sign On

Please go to Parent Orbit and see information regarding sign-on. All students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup via Parent Lounge and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and delivering the necessary resources.

Marist Track and Field – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College has continued to showcase incredible moments in Track and Field again this year, from Year 5 victories to exceptional feats by our Year 12 students, all vividly captured on our social media pages.